"Europe is bounded on the western side by the Atlantic Ocean, on the northern side by the British Ocean, on the eastern side by the river Tanais [modern Don], Lake Maeotis [modern Sea of Azov], and the Black Sea, and on the southern side by the Mediterranean Sea. It includes Spain, Gaul, Germany, Raetia, Italy, Greece, and Sarmatia. Europe is named after Europa, the daughter of King Agenor. While playing along the seashore accompanied by her maidens from Tyre, Europa is believed to have been carried off by Jupiter, who assumed the character of a snow-white bull. She was brought over the sea while riding on his back and he gave her name to land lying opposite that island." (Cosmographiae introductio, chap. IX - Hessler 2008)